By Anne Jolly | Associated Press

State fairs offer more than just the thrill of rides and games. They are a breeding ground for out-of-the-ordinary food creations. Vendors expand the definition of food with surprising and sometimes bizarre combinations, leaving visitors with lasting memories, both good and bad.

Whether you’re an adventurous eater or a picky newbie, state fairs celebrate innovative foods. Let’s explore the world of state fair foods and start a wild journey.

Innovation from tradition

State fairs have always been a place where the familiar meets the fantastic. These annual events give vendors a platform to showcase their creativity with dishes that are as surprising as they are delicious.

State fairs have evolved from agricultural exhibitions to spectacles full of novelty and excitement. Once a gathering place for communities to celebrate their harvests, they have also become a fierce competition for culinary creativity. Each year, the boundaries of fair food are pushed, and vendors vie to outdo the others with ever more outlandish and delicious creations.

But food innovation at state fairs isn’t just about the shock factor. It’s about providing new and exciting experiences for showgoers. This vibrant and evolving food landscape is a testing ground for ideas that could one day become mainstream.

The craziest food creations at the State Fair

Every year, vendors outdo each other with tantalizing creations. Here are some of the State Fair’s craziest dishes that surprised and delighted fairgoers.

Everything fried

Fried food is a staple at the State Fair, but vendors have taken the technique to new heights. Today, things like fried Oreos or Twinkies feel commonplace, and almost anything can be fried. This year’s Iowa State Fair featured fried gum, pepperoni chips, and peanut butter and jelly. The Texas State Fair, on the other hand, featured fried sushi bombs and Vietnamese coffee.

Bonanza wrapped in bacon

Vendors at the State Fairs love bacon and treat it like a culinary magic wand. From the classic bacon-wrapped Oreo cookies to bacon-wrapped deep-fried jalapeño poppers, hardly any food is safe from bacon. Vendors love to wrap everything in bacon, from macaroni and cheese bites to juicy, spicy chorizo. This love of all things bacon has led to some truly epic and sometimes questionable culinary creations.

Donut Burger

If you can’t decide between sweet and savory, donut burgers offer the best of both worlds. These burgers replace the traditional bun with donuts, creating a delicious contrast between the juicy patty and the sweet donut. Although this unconventional combination is odd, it has a loyal following among those who appreciate bold flavors and contrasting textures.

Fun with funnel cakes

Forget the plain old funnel cake. While the classic fried dough covered in powdered sugar remains a staple, vendors are getting more playful. Your favorite childhood snack is sold alongside wacky creations like deep-fried Kool-Aid funnel cakes, funnel cake sandwiches, or hot dogs wrapped in funnel cake batter. A delicious and surprising twist puts a whole new spin on this nostalgic favorite.

Eating insects

Those feeling truly adventurous can try their hand at the world of entomophagy – eating insects. Crickets, mealworms and other insects are coated in rich chocolate, creating a crunchy, sweet snack that brings out the earthy flavor of the insects. This daring challenge offers an unforgettable and fun experience that is not for the faint-hearted.

Cry for weird ice cream

Make way for vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Forget the scoops of ice cream from your childhood—here, desserts throws all convention out the window, along with the bland flavors you can find at the grocery store. Weird ice cream flavors are quite a hit at fairs. This year’s Minnesota State Fair offered the candy corn and kettle chip varieties, just a glimpse of the endless possibilities developed by vendors who aren’t afraid to experiment.

Corn Dog Chaos

Corn dogs are a classic food-on-a-stick, but vendors have taken creative twists by introducing bright colors, unique textures and unexpected flavors that transform these handy staples into edible works of art. Forget the traditional batter and try unicorn-themed corn dogs, fruity pebble corn dogs and Korean-flavored corn dogs for a fresh take on the traditional batter-dipped sausage.

Impact of State Fair Food

State fairs can be not only venues for wild culinary inventions, but also launching pads. Outrageous creations can go viral on social media, bringing attention and popularity to their creators.

These extraordinary foods are more than just food; they are a spectacle and a conversation piece to be shared and documented. State Fair vendors write their names in food history by wrapping everything, one by one, in fried bacon.

Try the dishes at the fair

A culinary adventure awaits you at your state’s fairgrounds, so step out of your comfort zone, try more than just the usual bulbs and dare to try something new. You might discover your new favorite food. Sometimes it’s the most unexpected combinations that create magic.